CLEMENCY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'clemency' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity , grace , leniency , and mercy . While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing. // the judge refused to show clemency

Q: When would 'charity' be a good substitute for 'clemency'?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others. // show a little charity for the less fortunate

Q: In what contexts can 'grace' take the place of 'clemency'?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions. // by the grace of God

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leniency' instead of 'clemency'?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing. // criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Q: When is 'mercy' a more appropriate choice than 'clemency'?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency , mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. // threw himself on the mercy of the court

clemency

noun

ˈkle-mən(t)-sē

Definition of clemency next

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun clemency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When would charity be a good substitute for clemency?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

In what contexts can grace take the place of clemency?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is it sensible to use leniency instead of clemency?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is mercy a more appropriate choice than clemency?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of clemency Trump's last act of clemency was a pardon for Al Pirro, the ex-husband of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 The call for clemency from tribal leaders comes after Biden commuted the sentences of over 1,500 people and granted pardons to 39 individuals in mid-December. —

Melissa Olson, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025 Here’s a look at people with Chicago or Illinois connections who have been granted clemency by a president. —

Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Commutations, another form of clemency, completely or partially reduce sentences for those in prison or on community supervision. —

Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clemency